Two prestigious quality designations are latest commendations of RPCI from national organizations

Monday, December 19, 2011

Highlights:

Leapfrog designation awarded to top 5% of eligible hospitals

As Leapfrog survey participant, RPCI makes important data available to public

QOPI certification evidence-based, covers all areas of cancer care

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has again been recognized at the national level for providing high-quality, patient-centered care. One of only three National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in New York State, RPCI this month received Leapfrog Top Hospital recognition for the second consecutive year and earned Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) Certification from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

The Leapfrog Top Hospital designation puts RPCI in a class representing just 5% of eligible hospitals — 65 from a field of nearly 1,200. The Leapfrog Group, a coalition of public and private employers, selects hospitals for the designation based on an annual national survey measuring performance in areas such as error prevention and nurse and physician staffing — the most complete picture available of a hospital’s record on quality and patient safety.

“For the second year in a row, Roswell Park Cancer Institute has achieved the highest distinction for quality and patient safety that any hospital in America can achieve. We are proud to count them among the select group of 2011 Leapfrog Top Hospitals,” said Leah Binder, CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “As the demand for information about hospital quality grows, hospitals like Roswell Park that participate in Leapfrog’s annual hospital survey are providing a great service to their community by making important information readily available.”

Launched by ASCO in 2006, the QOPI enables medical facilities to examine the quality of care they provide to patients based on evidence-based guidelines and established quality measures. Its rigorous set of more than 100 quality measures was developed by practicing oncologists and quality experts, and spans the continuum of cancer care. The QOPI Certification Program was launched in 2010. RPCI is one of approximately 100 facilities nationally to earn the certification, and one of only seven in New York State.

“Consistency is one of the most important aspects of high-quality delivery of care,” said Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, RPCI President and CEO. “To be recognized by national organizations as respected as the Leapfrog Group and ASCO, we have to not only be able to provide great and safe care but to have a proven track record of doing so routinely.”

RPCI has frequently been recognized for high-quality care and overall excellence. The Institute was again recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2011-12 Best Hospitals list for Cancer Care; holds Magnet Recognition Program designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center; has been named one of the eight best hospitals in the nation for complex or “extremely difficult” cancer cases by AARP The Magazine; and has received other special commendations from BlueCross BlueShield, Optum Health, The Scientist magazine and others.

About The Leapfrog Group

The Leapfrog Group is a coalition of public and private purchasers of employee health coverage founded a decade ago to work for improvements in health care safety, quality and affordability. The annual survey is the only voluntary effort of its kind. More information is available at www.leapfroggroup.org.

About ASCO

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has more than 30,000 members and is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. For more information, go to http://www.asco.org.